Ram Mandir Anniversary: 3-Day Celebration To Start Today Instead Of January 22; Here's Why?

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced that the first anniversary of the Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be celebrated on January 11, 2025, marking the event as per the Hindu calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. While the consecration ceremony originally took place on January 22, 2024, the Trust has aligned the celebration with the date Paush Shukla Paksh Dwadashi (Kurma Dwadashi), which falls on January 11, 2025, according to the Hindu Panchang.

Why January 11, 2025?
The Trust's decision to follow the Hindu calendar underscores the temple's commitment to preserving traditional practices. "After consultation with saints, it was resolved that the anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of Prabhu Shri Ramlalla Sarkar will be celebrated annually on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, also known as Kurma Dwadashi," the Trust stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). This day will henceforth be referred to as Pratishtha Dwadashi.

Three-Day Celebration
The anniversary festivities will take place from January 11 to 13, 2025. The event promises a series of rituals, prayers, and cultural programs designed to honor Lord Ram and allow devotees to immerse themselves in the spiritual aura of the temple. Saints and devotees from across the country are expected to participate, making it a significant occasion for the Hindu community.

The temple, which was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, in a historic ceremony attended by dignitaries and devotees, stands as a symbol of faith and perseverance. Its consecration marked the culmination of decades of legal and political battles over the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Construction Updates
Initially slated for completion by June 2025, the Ram Mandir construction is now expected to finish by September 2025, according to recent updates from the Trust. Nripendra Misra, chairman of the construction committee, attributed the delay to a shortage of approximately 200 workers.

Additionally, the construction committee has decided to replace certain stones on the temple's first floor. Some stones, identified as "weak and thin," will be replaced to ensure the structure's durability for generations to come.

The temple awaits the arrival of statues from Jaipur production centres for Lord Ram's court and the six surrounding temples. These statues, expected by December 2025, will enhance the temple's grandeur. Meanwhile, two Ram Lalla statues have already been accepted by the Trust and will be installed in prominent locations within the temple complex.

Preserving Tradition
The decision to celebrate Pran Pratishtha according to the Hindu calendar highlights the temple's focus on preserving the cultural and spiritual ethos of Hinduism. By emphasizing astrological and traditional timings, the Trust reinforces the temple's role as a place of worship and cultural heritage.

Milestone for Devotees
The temple's first Pran Pratishtha anniversary marks a milestone in the journey of the Ram Mandir, symbolizing devotion, perseverance, and faith. From its inauguration to its continued construction, the temple remains a focal point of Hindu spirituality and pride.